Review of The Manchurian Candidate (1962) by Ben L — 18 Feb 2016

The Manchurian Candidate is a simply fascinating film about a group of soldiers who are brainwashed in an effort to create a mindless killer who won't even be aware he kills. The execution of this film is simply amazing.

Each shot is framed perfectly, and there is something about the way they do the lighting that is so vibrant, somehow my memories keep telling me the film was in color even though it was all black-and-white.

I love how they present the dream sequences which bounce back-and-forth between what really happened and what they want the soldiers to see. There's so much to love in the story and the way it is presented in The Manchurian Candidate, so I can understand why it has been highly regarded and won awards.

I think where the movie falls short is that it reveals things a bit too early. Making us wait to find out if the dreams are real would be more effective, and would build more tension. Also the reveal of Raymond's handler was much earlier than it should have been, because they could have completely shocked the audience in the final act with that twist.

Because we know things so early there are moments where I felt the movie was dragging just a little, and needed to accelerate to the climax. My only other minor complaint is Frank Sinatra. While I love his music, and even enjoy him in some acting roles, I think this particular role would have been more impressive with an actor who has a better handle on subtlety.

But the rest of the cast is amazing, especially Angela Lansbury who steals all her scenes. I must reiterate, the story and execution of The Manchurian Candidate are so brilliant that any little shortcomings I reference are not going to outweigh its quality.

If you haven't seen this movie then you probably should.